The 8 Best Must-Buy Souvenirs in Hakone, Japan

Hakone is blessed with abundant nature and several natural springs. This is a popular location to enjoy hot springs. Not only Japanese but also foreigners come here to enjoy. The souvenirs are also filled with history and the skill and care of the craftsman. Today we will introduce the souvenirs that you cannot afford to miss!

1. Yumochi

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This is the famous traditional Japanese treat of Hakone. The producers continue to create it with the same care. In addition the store is also a place you will want to visit to understand the full flavor. There is a teahouse connected to the shop where you can enjoy traditional sweets in shop.

This mochi (rice cake) is Yuzu flavored mochi with thinly sliced pieces of bean paste cake inside. As it is the product of Yakone, it is what you must try here and buy as a souvenir. This is for those looking for an especially elegant souvenir!

2. Tsuki no Usagi

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This is one for those looking for a cute souvenir. A whole chestnut is found inside this manjyu. The packaging has on it a cute rabbit and chestnut. This design is one made after the image of the bunny and the moon. The completely round manjyu that encases the chestnut truly remind one of the moon.

Everyone enjoys this taste as they feel they have enjoyed it somewhere before. The tearoom located on the 2nd floor allows you to enjoy this treat in shop and the Soba restaurant on the 3rd floor allows you to enjoy soba. Come here for a nice break from touring Hakone.

3. Ganso Hakone Onsen Manjyu

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If you are going to visit a place famous for hot springs (onsen), you also must come home with Onsen manjyu. This Marushima shop has been famous for this Japanese treat for over 100 years. The light outside of manjyu goes perfectly with the semi-sweat bean paste inside.

If you are considering buying these manjyu please do visit the Marushima shop. They are not only good for souvenirs but also for enjoying fresh in front of the shop.

4. Kamaboko

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This area is known for their Kamaboko. Kamaboko is way of enjoying fish through making a fish paste and cooking it. This shop introduced here has been known as a specialty Kamaboko shop for over 150 years. There is reason for it deliciousness.

No artificial flavoring or preservatives are used and the natural flavor can be fully enjoyed. This is the perfect gourmet souvenir. Here at the home of Kamaboko you can enjoy freshly cooked Kamaboko or even the experience of making your own. This is sure to make shopping for souvenirs all the more fun!

 
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5. Surimi Dango

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Where Kamaboko is popular so is Nerimono. What is nerimono? Narimono is a word used to describe items that use fish paste and are prepared in a certain way. The particular nerimono sold here are mixed with different vegetables and then fried. The nerimono are created without any artificial flavorings or preservatives. They are made and sold fresh each day.

They also sell nerimono with sweet onion and gobo. In addition they will sell nerimono with the vegetable in season. Because they are so popular they are often sold out in the morning. Please be sure to come buy on the morning of you departure.

6. Kuro Tamago

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Eggs boiled in the hot springs are popular in any hot springs town. The outside of the egg reacts to the iron in the spring water and turns the shell black. You may be surprised by the black appearance but the inside of the egg is very delicious.

The impactful appearance is matched by the delicious taste and it is said that your life will expand by 7 years if you eat one egg so try it! This is the perfect souvenir for those looking for an impactful souvenir.

7. Umeboshi

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When you go to the Hakone Yumoto Station there will be many souvenir shops lined up and many will be selling umeboshi (pickled plums). Hakone can said to be quite famous for plums. Murakami Jiro has been specializing in pickled plums (umeboshi) for 70 years.

The plums used are brought from Wakayama prefecture and have been here for a long time. You may choose from sweeter ones to those that include cayenne hot pepper and are spicy. You may try them out to see which flavor is best for the use you have chosen. You can also enjoy umeboshi made with “Hakone Umeshu (Hakone Plum Wine)”.

8. Genshu Hakoneyama

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One very popular souvenir no matter where you go in Japan is the local sake (alcohol). The Inoue brewery has continued to made sake for over 200 years. “Genshu Hakoneyama” is an alcohol produced by them.

This brand of sake is made with the cool temperatures and underground water of Hakone and specially chosen rice. This is an award winning sake of Japan. The container is also very creative and attractive. Why not choose this are you souvenir from Hakone?

Come Get Hakone Souvenir Unique to Hakone!

What did you think of the different souvenirs offered here? There are so many more souvenirs that we could not introduce here so be sure the visit around and find the souvenir best suited for the purpose you have in mind. You are certain to find the perfect gift!